Hornets' Chandler sprains right ankle

Published: Monday, October 6, 2008 at 6:01 a.m.

Last Modified: Monday, October 6, 2008 at 6:57 a.m.

NEW ORLEANS -- Hornets center Tyson Chandler sprained his right ankle in the first quarter of New Orleans' preseason opener against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night.

Chandler sat out the rest of the game, but returned to the bench in his warmups to watch the second half and stood without apparent pain to chat with teammates during timeouts.

``I'm fine,'' Chandler, who did not score and had one rebound, said as he left the New Orleans Arena following the Hornets' 106-103 victory. "I just stayed out as a precaution.''

The injury occurred under the Hornets' basket after Chandler stepped into the lane to help defend a drive by C.J. Watson. Chandler appeared to turn his ankle as he landed and immediately dropped to the floor, lying on his back until trainers helped him up and accompanied him to the locker room.

The 7-foot-1 Chandler played a key role in helping the Hornets win a franchise record 56 games and the Southwest Division title last season, averaging 11.8 point and 11.7 rebounds during the regular season.

<p>NEW ORLEANS -- Hornets center Tyson Chandler sprained his right ankle in the first quarter of New Orleans' preseason opener against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night. </p><p>Chandler sat out the rest of the game, but returned to the bench in his warmups to watch the second half and stood without apparent pain to chat with teammates during timeouts. </p><p>``I'm fine,'' Chandler, who did not score and had one rebound, said as he left the New Orleans Arena following the Hornets' 106-103 victory. "I just stayed out as a precaution.'' </p><p>The injury occurred under the Hornets' basket after Chandler stepped into the lane to help defend a drive by C.J. Watson. Chandler appeared to turn his ankle as he landed and immediately dropped to the floor, lying on his back until trainers helped him up and accompanied him to the locker room. </p><p>The 7-foot-1 Chandler played a key role in helping the Hornets win a franchise record 56 games and the Southwest Division title last season, averaging 11.8 point and 11.7 rebounds during the regular season.</p>